Follow new lines on Interstate 5

Northbound traffic on Interstate 5 south of Olympia will shift to a new alignment Friday morning.

The shift starts south of the Grand Mound interchange and extends about three-quarters of a mile. The new northbound I-5 alignment is permanent and has a more gradual curve. Shifting northbound traffic allows crews to continue work on the new bridges over Prairie Creek, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The change is part of a $61.5 million construction project that adds a third lane in each direction on an 8-mile stretch of I-5. The project broke ground in May 2008 and is scheduled to wrap up in summer 2010. The speed limit will remain 60 mph until the project is finished.